Belmond acquires historic castle hotel in heart of rural Tuscany

Belmond has acquired Castello di Casole, a historic castle hotel in the heart of rural Tuscany. Full of Italian splendour mixed with Tuscan charm, the Castello joins Belmond’s portfolio of ‘Italian Icons’, which includes Belmond Villa San Michele in Florence, Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice and Belmond Hotel Splendido in Portofino.

Belmond Castello di Casole is located within easy access of Florence and Siena. The intimate, 39-room hotel sits within 600 hectares of farmland, vineyards and olive groves; one of the largest private estates in Italy.

Roeland Vos, president and chief executive officer, commented, “I am delighted to announce the addition of the stunning and historic Castello di Casole to the Belmond portfolio. The Belmond brand continues to gain momentum and this acquisition marks the latest step in our journey towards realising our strategic growth plan. We believe this stunning castle, steeped in Etruscan history, builds on our past experience of acquiring distinctive, timeless properties and restoring them to their iconic status through strategic investment.”

Mr Vos continues: “When you enter any one of our hotels, or step on board a Belmond train or cruise, you know it belongs to our family because it has a soul. Without doubt, Castello di Casole has that individual essence.”

Steeped in history, Belmond Castello di Casole dates back to the 10th century; owned by Italian aristocratic family, the Bargagli, who for generations the family farmed the landscape. Latterly owned by cinematographer Luchino Visconti, whose films The Leopard and Death in Venice embody the ‘Golden Age of Cinema’. Visconti’s parties at the castle were legendary, attended by Hollywood glitterati.

Multi-sensory escapism

The hotel’s spacious all-suite rooms are designed to honour the rich and rustic traditions of Tuscany, full of terracotta and golden colours with period antique furnishings and original stone floors. Many feature private gardens that blossom with aromatic white roses in summer.

The heated outdoor infinity pool offers sweeping views across the golden hills and valleys of Tuscany and guests can enjoy a range of activities within the lush countryside including, truffle hunting, mastering the art of Tuscan cooking, hiking and cycling through the estate’s vineyards and olive groves as well as its neighbouring hamlets. The Spa, located in the vaulted wine cellar, features restored stone walls and Etruscan artefacts.

Looking to the future

Belmond expects to invest €7.3 million ($9 million) in a phased refurbishment of the hotel over four years, including the addition of two new villas, bringing the resort’s total key count to 41. Belmond Castello di Casole joins sister hotel, Belmond Villa San Michele, that sits atop the hills of Fiesole overlooking Florence; making it the ideal country escape.